THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TAKES PLEASURE IN PRESENTING THE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION
TO:
2ND BATTALION, 3RD REGIMENT
THIRD MARINE DIVISION (REINFORCED) III MAP
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
CITATION:
For extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam from 16 September 1967 to 31 October 1968. Operating primarily in QuangNam and QuangTri Provinces, the Members of the Third Marine Division (Reinforced) superbly executed its threefold mission of searching for and destroying the enemy, defending key airfields and lines of communication, and conducting a pacification and revolutionary development program unparalleled in the annals of warfare. With the Division responsible for over 1,000 square miles of territory, it extended protection and pacification to more than one million Vietnamese. The countless examples of courage, resourcefulness, and dedication demonstrated by the officers and men of the Third Marine Division attest to their professionalism and esprit de corps. Their combat activities were skillfully carried out in the face of adverse weather and difficult terrain such as canopied jungles, rugged mountains, swampy lowlands, and hot, sandy beaches. During the enemy Tet-offensive in late January of 1968, the Third Marine Division dealt a devastating blow to enemy forces attempting to attack Hue. Again, in May 1968, the Division totally crushed an enemy drive directed against the DaNang Area through the Dong Ha region Northwest of DaNang. The Division achieved this resounding victory through the skillful coordination of ground forces, supporting arms, and aircraft support. Most action in the Northern I Corps Tactical Zone during August of!968 was centered in the Third Marine Division's tactical area of responsibility. The enemy, now looking for a victory, which would achieve some measure of psychological or propaganda value, again mounted an attack of major proportions against DaNang but were thoroughly repulsed, sustaining heavy casualties. The valiant fighting spirit, perseverance, and teamwork displayed by Third Marine Division personnel throughout this period reflected great credit upon themselves and the Marine Corps, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States
Naval Service.
Signed/LYNDON B. JOHNSON
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Paul Marquis
Web Master
